SHARE

Ritter signs medical marijuana regulations

DENVER — Colorado’s medical marijuana industry will now have to follow new statewide regulations.

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed two bills passed by state lawmakers this session to rein in the growing number of marijuana dispensaries and growers.

Both laws take effect immediately.

One requires that only doctors in good standing be able to recommend medical marijuana. The other sets up a uniform set of rules for marijuana dispensaries and growers statewide.

Cities and counties are able ban dispensaries within their borders. In places where they’re allowed, owners will have to undergo criminal background checks. Dispensaries must grow 70 percent of their marijuana, a provision aimed at keeping tabs on where the drug is being sold.